A circular sign with a red border containing two cars side by side—one red on the right and one black on the left—indicates that overtaking is strictly prohibited.
This restriction is positioned where limited forward visibility or narrow road layouts make passing hazardous, such as near sharp bends, brows of hills, or narrow bridges.
What this sign means
The sign imposes a legal prohibition against passing any moving motor vehicle ahead of you.
The prohibition remains in force until you pass an end-of-restriction sign or reach a road layout where the restriction clearly terminates.
- Red car on the right, black car on the left inside a red circle.
- Prohibits overtaking all four-wheeled motor vehicles.
- Does not forbid passing stationary vehicles or slow solo pedal cycles.
What to do when you see it
Drop back to maintain a safe two-second trailing distance behind the vehicle ahead.
Do not pull out or cross road markings to attempt an overtake, even if the vehicle in front is travelling below the speed limit.
How this sign is tested
DVSA theory test questions test your understanding of what traffic types are prohibited from being overtaken.
Image questions may ask whether you can pass a solo motorcycle or bicycle under this sign.
Common mistakes
A common misconception is thinking you can overtake if the vehicle in front is travelling slowly; speed does not override the legal restriction.
Candidates also confuse the red car symbol, misinterpreting which lane or direction is restricted.
Test yourself on this one
Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.
Practise road sign questionsFrequently asked questions
Can I overtake a pedal cyclist in a no overtaking zone?
You may pass slow pedal cyclists or horses if it is safe to do so and you do not breach solid white lines.
Does no overtaking apply to stationary vehicles?
No, passing a broken down or stationary vehicle is permitted if clear and safe.
How do I know when the no overtaking restriction ends?
An end-of-restriction sign (a greyed-out symbol with diagonal slashes) or road markings indicate the end.